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Released by the Colts at final cuts, Sheppard is taking Dannell Ellerbe's (hip, injured reserve) roster spot. Sheppard was obviously ineffective in Indy, but has 31 games of starting experience. He'll provide depth for the Dolphins' injury-racked linebacker corps. Mon, Sep 8, 2014 01:31:00 PM

Colts released LB Kelvin Sheppard.

Colts GM Ryan Grigson regularly gets ripped for his 2013 trade for Trent Richardson, but dealing Jerry Hughes for Sheppard last April has arguably been his biggest blunder. Sheppard is now on the street, while 26-year-old Hughes is coming off a double-digit sack campaign in Buffalo. Sat, Aug 30, 2014 12:43:00 PM

A 2011 third-round pick, Sheppard started 24 games the past two seasons, including 15 at MIKE linebacker in 2012. Sheppard may compete with Kavell Conner at left inside linebacker in Indianapolis, but played just 521 snaps despite "starting" last season, and fared poorly against the run. He won't be an IDP factor. Mon, Apr 29, 2013 01:24:00 PM

Bills MLB Kelvin Sheppard is down to 240 pounds after playing in the 250-255 range as a rookie.

Sheppard's rookie season got off to a slow start in no small part because he pulled his hamstring in training camp after arriving roughly 20 pounds overweight. "He showed up in great shape [for OTAs]," said new DC Dave Wannstedt, "and his attitude is good and I think he's excited about this scheme." Mon, Jun 4, 2012 04:11:00 PM

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Colts GM Ryan Grigson regularly gets ripped for his 2013 trade for Trent Richardson, but dealing Jerry Hughes for Sheppard last April has arguably been his biggest blunder. Sheppard is now on the street, while 26-year-old Hughes is coming off a double-digit sack campaign in Buffalo.

A 2011 third-round pick, Sheppard started 24 games the past two seasons, including 15 at MIKE linebacker in 2012. Sheppard may compete with Kavell Conner at left inside linebacker in Indianapolis, but played just 521 snaps despite "starting" last season, and fared poorly against the run. He won't be an IDP factor.

Bills MLB Kelvin Sheppard is down to 240 pounds after playing in the 250-255 range as a rookie.

Sheppard's rookie season got off to a slow start in no small part because he pulled his hamstring in training camp after arriving roughly 20 pounds overweight. "He showed up in great shape [for OTAs]," said new DC Dave Wannstedt, "and his attitude is good and I think he's excited about this scheme."

Kelvin Sheppard is practicing as the Bills' starting middle linebacker at OTAs.

The Bills have identified last year's third-rounder as a "nucleus" player on defense, after Sheppard racked up 61 tackles in the final nine games. He's quite likely to be an every-down player and impact IDP contributor. The Bills' starting weak-side backer is Nick Barnett, with Kirk Morrison currently at SAM.

New DC Dave Wannstedt has singled out MLB Kelvin Sheppard as a nucleus player on the Bills defense.

"I've got all the confidence in the world with Shep," said Wannstedt. "To me he's about what you're looking for in a 4-3 middle linebacker. ... I think it's going to fit his skills to a 'T'. I think he's going to be a very, very productive player for us." Sheppard is going to be a player to target in IDP formats in 2012.

The Bills will use Kelvin Sheppard at middle linebacker in their new 4-3 defense.

Nick Barnett will likely play the weak side. Sheppard racked up 70 tackles in only nine starts as a third-round rookie and will be an IDP to target fairly early in 2012 drafts. He averaged over 6.5 tackles per start in 2011.

"He's aggressive and he got better at his reads," said Gailey. "He got a lot more comfortable playing every day and I think that he is going to be a good player as time goes on. I saw improvement each week in him." Sheppard closed out the season with 70 tackles in 16 games and nine starts.

Gailey confirmed Sheppard will begin taking the "majority of reps" at the position, replacing Andra Davis. Davis wasn't getting it done on the interior, and Sheppard has flashed in limited snaps so far. He has 10 tackles on the season, but will be a candidate for 6-8 per week moving forward.

Bills rookie ILB Kelvin Sheppard (hamstring) will miss his third straight preseason game on Saturday.

A third-round pick, Sheppard was originally expected to miss only a week when he hurt his hamstring on August 1. He'll likely begin the season as the Bills' fourth inside linebacker behind Nick Barnett, Kirk Morrison, and Andra Davis.

Third-round ILB Kelvin Sheppard is expected to "challenge for playing time immediately" this season.

Sheppard figures to give veteran Andra Davis a run for his starting job. Of course, he could be needed next to Davis if four-year veteran Paul Posluszny's free agency ends up unrestricted. Sheppard, one of the first inside linebackers off the board in April, should be starting by mid-season regardless.

The first inside linebacker off the board, Sheppard averaged 113 tackles the past two seasons in the Bayou. A strong open-field tackler, Sheppard gets much higher grades for his stout run defense than his questionable pass coverage. The 6'2/250 All SEC selection is the natural successor to Andra Davis.